Media representation of the new Disney princesses: portrayal of gender roles

Abstract

This study explores the evolving representation of gender roles in the Disney Princess movies: "Tangled" (2010), "Moana" (2016), and "Raya and the Last Dragon" (2021). Utilizing semiotic methodology, the research examines Ronald Barthes theory on how these films both challenge and perpetuate cultural myths and ideologies related to gender roles focused on a Western-Euro American perspective. The investigation focuses on the portrayal of New Disney Princesses and their alignment with contemporary mythological constructs. By analyzing the visual, textual, and symbolic elements in these movies, the study seeks to uncover the interplay between cultural themes and narrative structures, and how they reflect and influence societal narratives and cultural ideologies. The research contributes to scholarly discourse on media representation and gender dynamics, highlighting the evolving roles of Disney Princesses as influential cultural artifacts in shaping societal values, particularly among younger demographics. This study is significant in understanding the reciprocal influence between media and societal ethos, offering insights into the fabric of contemporary mythology as it intertwines with popular media.